By Guide Lecturer

Wagner - The Ring Cycle in Leipzig

Leipzig Opera House

Organ of St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig

Augustusplaz, Leipzig

Augustusplaz, Leipzig

Aerial view of Leipzig

This city’s rich history of classical music leaves nothing to be desired, especially when it comes to The Ring Cycle being performed in its composer’s birthplace. Richard Wagner’s innovations and artistic legacy are proudly celebrated here. Allow yourself to be transported by his monumental music drama, performed over four nights in Leipzig’s modern opera house.

No trip to this Saxony city is complete without stepping into the worlds of other famous German composers: local boys Mendelssohn, Schumann and Bach. Their world-famous music is immortalised by museums and the houses they lived in, preserved as monuments to their genius. We spend time discovering more about their lives through personal artefacts and unique exhibitions, and the knowledge of our expert guide will give us a broader view of Leipzig’s rich musical heritage. So, join us on this cultural exploration of Germany and immerse yourself in its sounds & sights.

Take a private tour of the Blüthner Piano Factory

Be treated to a private recital

Interval snacks at the Opera House

Enjoy a personal meeting with the Chairman of the Leipzig Wagner Foundation

Themes

Practicalities

Itinerary 2019

We transfer from Berlin airport to Leipzig, where we check into our hotel. Later, we are welcomed by the Chairman of the Wagner Foundation at the opening of the festival.

Hotel: Steigenberger Grand Hotel, LeipzigMeals: Dinner included

Day2

Today we start with a talk on the operas. After, we discover the delights of Leipzig. Following a stop for lunch, we walk to the Opera House for the first performance of this tour, Das Rheingold. Later, we sit down to dinner at our hotel.

We begin with a private tour at the Blüthner piano factory and then we head to the apartment where Robert and Clara Schumann lived where we are treated to a piano recital. Here we enjoy a brief piano recital before going to lunch at the Gohliser Schlösschen. Our afternoon is free and tonight’s dinner is at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Steigenberger Grand Hotel, LeipzigMeals: All meals included

Day5

Depart for Mendelssohn House, where he lived and died. Next, visit Grassi Museum and the newly renovated Museum of Musical Instruments, home to over 5,000 instruments including three 16th century clavichords and a Gothic harp. Later, we enjoy our third performance.

What's Included

Expert Guide Lecturer

Tour Manager

Local Travel
- Private a/c coach

Meals
- Most meals included with wine at dinner

Entries & Tips
- Entry to all sites in program; tips included

Hotels

Opera Tickets
- Entry to all performances in the program. We request the seats in the centre stalls as these offer the best view although seats in boxes are usually more expensive. There is no guarantee that we will get the seats requested as availability is often limited. Where it is possible to avoid boxes as an alternative we will, but in some cases it may be the only option.

Travel Information

Tour Information

The weather may be a little unpredictable in May although temperatures should be pleasant averaging 15-20° C. We suggest layers and something suitable for rain, just in case.All the sites we visit are within walking distance. Most of the walking will occur day 5 when we visit two museums although there will be breaks and chances to sit down. The longest distance will require about 20 minutes. As there is a fair amount of walking generally we suggest packing some comfortable shoes.

Lunch will be provided each day except on days 1 and 6.All dinners are included. With the exception of the first opera, Rheingold, the others have a duration of 5 – 6 hours. Because of this, we will be having dinner at the hotel after the performance of the first opera only. During the interval for the other three operas, the opera house provides something to eat. These meals are set by the opera house and it is not possible to seek alternatives – even the wine is chosen for us. However, there will be a different dish for each evening so that there will be some variety. On our return to the hotel after these operas there will also be a light snack on offer.

Although there is no rule regarding dress to the opera you may feel more comfortable in smart/casual clothing. Your guide lecturer will be giving information on all the operas and providing a synopsis. For any personal purchases you may wish to make, credit/debit cards can generally be used although you may wish to have a little cash (Euros) on you as some shops, cafés and restaurants do not accept cards.